Lighting Programs of White Layers Hens in Start Phase Production

Abstract

This research aimed to study the effect of light regime on performance and egg quality of white laying hens applied at the start laying phase. A total of 420 Hy line White laying hens, at 19 weeks of age were used, distributed in a completely randomized design, during 5 periods of 28 days, extending from January to June, corresponding to the age of 19 to 38 weeks of age of the birds. Three lighting programs were evaluated: continuous 16 h of light and 8 h of dark (CONT); intermittent program with two 2-min photophases equidistant at 16 h between natural light and 8 h of dark (INT) and continuous program only using decreasing natural light (LND). Feed intake (g/bird/day), egg production (%bird/day), egg weight (g), egg mass (g/bird/day), feed conversion (g/g) and egg density (g/cm 3 ) were evaluated. Feed intake and feed conversion were higher (p<0.05) in birds submitted to the CONT program compared to the LND program, however the CONT and LND programs did not differ (p>0.05) from the INT. Egg production, egg weight, egg mass and egg density were similar (p>0.05) between programs. Intermittent program with two photophases of 2 min equidistant 16 h between natural light can be applied in light layers at the start laying phase without impairing the productive performance and eggshell quality.